Long Change

What is Long Change?

A situation in hockey that occurs during the second period of
the game when the home and away goaltenders switch ends. This means
each team is shooting on the opposite net than they were
previously. It is called a "long change" because the team must
skate farther away from the bench to defend its own net.

Sporting Charts explains Long Change

The long change can be costly in a game if a line gets stuck in
their defensive zone for a long period of time and can't clear the
puck. This is a tough situation because the players on the ice,
while tired, don't want to leave their teammates shorthanded by
making a run for the bench that is further away. At the same time,
tired players are not as effective on the ice, so a tired player
may hamper the game by staying out on the ice too long and not
making a change.